Why does he have to smile like that? Bruce is a ball of confusing to Tony Stark and generally he can cover up for himself so easily. Bruce is gone more than he’s close. Bruce is untouchable by his own unfortunate design. There’s usually far more interesting things between them to tinker with than each other.

Even poor addled, still half drunk and thoroughly relaxed Tony recognizes how problematic the first half an hour of their vacation has become. There’s no good distraction right now and Tony isn’t fully capable of making one up.

And that’s why he doesn’t stop himself from shifting through waist deep water to sit next to Bruce on the wide, warm seat.

“I want to trust you. No. I do trust you. But I want you to trust me.”